Video Tutorial for Patchwork Drawstring Bag

Hello,

Finally, the video for making patchwork drawstring bag is up on my YouTube Channel. I just recently realized that I have not make a proper video tutorial for this bag. 

I made and sold a few bags in the past and I always wanted to make more. I have one bag that I always carry whenever I go out. Although it's small but it's pretty spacious to store my basic makeups, and other necessary items. And sometimes, I can just carry it when I run an errand. 

 

After reading Viridan's Blog I was so inspired and decided to sort out my 2.5" scrap bins (I have 2 bins!). Then I found a few 16 patches I made in the past. I am not sure if I wrote about it in this blog, but that got me inspired. The plan was to make scrappy 16 patch every week, but somehow it stopped. I made around 9 blocks and this year Insha Allah I plan to continue. 

I managed to sort it out by color. I kinda like this bins with divider. It's just perfect for the small scraps! 

Here some blocks I made in the past

Finding UFO blocks in your PHD bags is like finding a new treasures and got me excited that I want to complete something small. I was thinking to make placemats or mug rugs, you know something quick, also I want to make video tutorial for my channel. So I decided to make drawstring bag. Well, I ended up making 6 bags!! But instead of using that 16 patches I have already made, I decided to make from scratch, because I want more color-coordinated scraps! 

I also edited the tutorial that I wrote for this bag to make it clearer and added tutorial how to make boxed bottom/square bottom bag. It's easy, fun quick projects to make one afternoon and with small pieces, the bags looks really nice! Here are some more photos I took! 

If you prefer watching video, here's the video tutorial: 

That's all for today. I am so excited to make more happy scrappy stuff this year! What about you? What are you sewing this week? 

Thank you so much for stopping by!

Happy Sewing,

Elvira

Linking Up to these wonderful BLOGS

TUTORIAL - Patchwork Zipper Pouch - Lots of pics!

In this tutorial, I use a simple zipper with a tab. There are several methods on how you install zippers in pouched and bags. I will try to post a few mini-tutorial on those methods. 

FAQ :

1. What interfacing do you use?

Interfacing depends on how you want the look that you want. It totally depends on you. I love soft pouches. I normally use fusible interfacing and flannel or fleece batting (that's a substitute for fusible fleece). For a stiffer pouch, I use canvas interfacing.

2. Batting

As I mentioned, I usually use flannel for quilted pouches or bags. Flannel gives a good structure and enough softness. I use fleece or cotton batting for gadget cases.

3. How to reduce the bulk?

Always cut your batting 1/2" smaller than the main and lining fabric. If you use thicker interfacing, cut the interfacing 1/2" less than the main and lining fabric. That will save you lots of headaches struggling with the machine.

4. Ironing

 Ironing is also very important. Iron your interfacing well. I normally set in Cotton and always use the DRY setting. Iron your fabric first then attach the interfacing. If you use anything other than cottons, like silk or cotton mix, do not iron on the fabric. Iron nicely on the interfacing, reduce the heat to (silk/rayon) then iron gently.

That's as far as I can remember. Ask away if you have more questions. 

*** Please refer to the numbering of each photo ***

Let's start 

Supplies :

Fabric scraps

Fusible Interfacing

Batting (fleece, cotton, or flannel)

Zipper {sorry forgot to include it in the photos)

Embellishment (ribbon, lace, buttons)

Cut the fabrics according to the pics and sew up the strips accordingly

iron flat and sew the green polka dots

Green polka dots: 3" x 9" 

**ironing is very important to get a crisp look **

Please NOTE that you NEED to frequently straighten your panel

Use DRY setting and COTTON setting to fuse the fusible interfacing

First, iron the fabric and then attach the interfacing. 

This is important, cos it's difficult to smoothen wrinkled-interfaced-fabric. 

here I cut the tab 1" x 2" 

Trim the metal stopper of the zipper and cut 8" (1" smaller than the panel)

Sew the tab to both zipper ends

now, decorate your pouch panel

this is the fun part

I did a little quilting with this decorative stitch in my HV

I love my Viking, it has all fancy decorative stitches 

Now ZIPPER time!

Don't be scared 

it's very easy!

Follow the steps in pic #9 below

remember, ALWAYS use zipper foot! 

you can either baste it first or you can pin and sew

1st zipper is done, now the second part

Open the panels as shown in pic #10

(remember, the position of the zipper should be like pic #9)

Bring the zipper to the main panel. Line up the sides properly

 you can pin the middle panel if you want

Now, fold the lining and line it up on top of the zipper

it should look like pic #13

now pin and sew the zipper

once the zipper is installed

pull out and separate the main and lining as shown in pic #13-1

we're almost done! yay

before pinning your panels, make sure that the laces are matched. You don't want as lopsided pouch, right?

and trim the batting 1/4" all around.

This is to reduce the bulk

match the zipper point

the seam facing the lining and pin

Don't forget to OPEN the zipper halfway!

Now all sides pinned

trim the zipper tab and start sewing

sew with 1/4" or 3/8" on one side

don't forget to back-stitch on both ends

On the other side, leave a 2" opening on the LINING side. 

This will be your turning point

Back-stitch on both ends and also at the opening points.

This is important, cos you don't want your stitch to unravel while you're turning the pouch

now, let's make the square bottom

Method #1: puff up the corner and pinch evenly and mark 1/2" from the corner

sew the marked line and cut the excess

or you can do 

Method #2

Cut 1/2" square at all corners 

and sew them close.

This is easier cos you tend to get a more even box bottom

So that's done, now turn inside out from the opening

do it gently! I know it's frustrating but it is DOABLE.

Once done, check the corners, if you're happy with the result, iron your pouch (main and lining)and sew the opening, either by hand or machine.

Yay! you got new pretty patchwork pouch you can flaunt to your friends.

and if the sewing machine is not your best friend, you can always visit my SHOP and I'll be glad to make one ESPECIALLY  for you ^^

I hope you enjoy my tutorial

Happy Weekends & Happy Sewing

Elvira

****